If you are looking for a $5 Christmas tree, look no further than the more than 750,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest.
And, if you have a fourth grader in the house, the tree hunt is free.
Cutting your own Christmas tree can be an enjoyable adventure for the entire family, and just may become a yearly tradition.
Bundle up, make a lunch, bring your handsaw or ax and look for that special tree!
You will need a permit, sharp saw, thermos of coca and a little patience if you are a perfectionist.
A Christmas tree permit can be purchased for $5, cash or check only, from the White Mountains National Forest.
Offices are located in Campton, Lincoln, Gorham and Conway.
For office hours and permits, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain.
This year, one free holiday tree-cutting permit will be issued to fourth graders who present a valid "Every Kid in a Park Pass."
The Forest Service is among a number of federal agencies supporting the Every Kid in a Park initiative; more information can be found at www.everykidinapark.gov.
Several different types of evergreen grow in the White Mountain National Forest.
Many people prefer the balsam fir because of its fragrance and needle retention.
Others prefer the spruce because of the fullness of the branches and the classic shape.
Keep in mind that a wild tree may not have the perfect appearance of a commercial tree.
Trees are for personal use only, not for resale.
Each family may cut only one tree per permit, and can only use hand tools to cut Christmas trees.
Chainsaws are not permitted.
Make sure you are on National Forest land and respect the rights of landowners when crossing private property.
The Forest Service asks that tree hunters steer clear of campgrounds, picnic areas, experimental forests, wilderness, timber sale areas, or within 100 feet of a state highway.
Do not cut trees larger than eight inches in diameter at chest height.
Pack down limb piles low enough so they are within two feet of the ground.
Scatter limbs and wood at least 25 feet away from roads, streams, hiking trails and property boundaries, and cut your tree so remaining stumps will be less than 10 inches in height.
Just like hunting, attach your tree tag to your tree after cutting and before transporting it.

CAMPTON, N.H. —

If you are looking for a $5 Christmas tree, look no further than the more than 750,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest.

And, if you have a fourth grader in the house, the tree hunt is free.

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Cutting your own Christmas tree can be an enjoyable adventure for the entire family, and just may become a yearly tradition.

Bundle up, make a lunch, bring your handsaw or ax and look for that special tree!

You will need a permit, sharp saw, thermos of coca and a little patience if you are a perfectionist.

A Christmas tree permit can be purchased for $5, cash or check only, from the White Mountains National Forest.